Alexandria thrift store/food pantry will now be co-located

ALEXANDRIA BAY  The Alexandria Community Thrift Store and the Alexandria Food Pantry will be situated under one roof beginning Tuesday.

Mary Eder, thrift store board member, said both agencies needed more space. Now, shoppers who use both facilities wont have to make two trips.

The new 5,000-square-foot site for both shops is opening at 42601 Route 12  a half-mile down the road from the old thrift shop, which was across from the Thousand Islands Bait Store.

The thrift store started (17) years ago, and grew so quickly in use, Mrs. Eder said. We live in a poverty-stricken area, and the Amish use the store, and some people have the hobby of going and finding treasures.

The store also attracts Canadian shoppers, Mrs. Eder said. The old 1,600-square-foot space felt cramped, she said. That space, which the agency had been renting, also has inadequate heating and restrooms.

Since there was no storage space, the thrift shop sometimes had to make deliveries to the Watertown Urban Missions Impossible Dream Thrift Shop in Watertown. Now, the shop can store furniture and appliances, as well as many other items.

The food pantry, she said, was situated in the lower level of the Reformed Church of the 1000 Isles on Church Street. That space also was getting cramped, Mrs. Eder said.

Grant funding will foot $30,000 of the $180,000 cost for the new facility, and the rest is being covered by donations from community members and donated labor.

With the new space, Mrs. Eder said, the thrift store could offer more childrens clothing, mens clothing and winter wear.

The thrift shop will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays. The food pantry, which has its own entrance, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

For more information, call 482-3917.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.